“Sustainability is a balance between environmental vitality, economic
integrity and social equity, therefore the Version 3 Green Map Icons has three genres, Sustainable Living, Nature and Culture & Society; each of these have four categories of icons. This expanded set includes more icons for climate change, environmental justice and activism, green enterprise, outdoor activities and even some 'indoor icons'”, says Wendy Brawer, Green Map’s Founding Director.

There is a general agreement about the meaning of each symbol, but
Green Mapmakers ultimately determine precise definitions in their local context. Mapmakers
choose their own sub-set of the symbols, and can color and organize their
map’s legend as desired. Provided as a font, copyrighted Green Map Icons
can be used with any computer program on Green Maps and related educational and
outreach materials. They are also available as stickers for students and Green
Mapmakers without digital resources.

Local place-based icons can also be designed, then shared with
others in the same region or even adopted into our global set. Thus, Green Map
Icons are evolving as a language that reflects our growing understanding of
sustainability in the community context.

Green Map Icons, Version 3 took five years to update with the help of hundreds of Green Mapmakers, and the public through our Icon Open Studio. Find more information about the concepts and people involved on our Icon Evolution page, which explains more about the history of this award-winning living language over the years. Explore how the different Green Maps have used them in the
Maps section. This website’s About and Participate
sections are great places to find out more about registering to use these icons on a Green
Map of your community!